1. BLS Glucometer Use
Diabetes mellitus is a disease state characterized by a deranged relationship of insulin and glucose
In diabetes, there is insufficient insulin to get glucose into the cells, and thus the cells start to malfunction and produce characteristic findings
Emergencies from diabetes are usually from hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia
Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by an altered relationship between glucose and insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that is needed to promote the movement of glucose from the blood into the cells. Glucose, a simple form of sugar, is the body’s main source of energy.
Diabetic patients have either Type I or Type II diabetes. Type I diabetics commonly acquire the disease during childhood, do not produce any insulin by the pancreas, and therefore must inject insulin daily. Type II diabetics, who usually develop the disease in adulthood, typically still secrete insulin and may control the disease by diet, exercise, oral medications or, in severe cases, insulin.

2. Blood Glucose Monitoring
BLS Glucometer Use
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Checking the Blood Glucose Level (BGL)
Multiple Brands of Glucometers are commonly found on EMS units
Glucometer determines the amount of glucose in the blood, the sample usually coming from a finger stick
A normal range is 80–120 mg/dl
Hypoglycemia is a BGL <60 mg/dl
Hyperglycemia is a BGL >120 mg/dl
Portable blood glucose meters, commonly referred to as glucometers by EMS, are available to both the EMS crew and the diabetic patient. These devices can fairly accurately determine the blood glucose level (BGL). The blood glucose level is the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a simple form of sugar; therefore, the terms glucose and sugar are usually used interchangeably. To determine the amount of glucose in the blood, the device analyzes a drop of capillary blood, typically obtained from a finger stick to the patient. The glucose meter provides a numerical reading that indicates the amount of glucose in the blood.
You must read manufacturer's instructions for your particular glucometer

3. BLS Blood Glucose Monitoring
Testing the Blood Glucose Level with a glucose meter
Equipment necessary
Glucose meter
Glucose meter test strips
Lancet or lancet device
Alcohol swabs
It is very important to determine whether medical direction and local protocol allow the EMT to test the patient’s blood glucose level on the blood glucose meter. If the EMT is permitted to check the patient’s BGL with a glucose meter, it is vital that the EMT learn the proper use of that particular device carried by his EMS service, since many models are available and in use.
As easy as it is to obtain a blood glucose reading with the device, it is just as easy to make a mistake and get an inaccurate reading if the device is improperly used.
You must read manufacturer's instructions for your particular glucometer

4. BLS Blood Glucose Monitoring
Withdraw strip, turn monitor on confirm code if needed.
Choose finger, wipe with alcohol swab.
Explain the steps of obtaining a blood glucose level.
You must read manufacturer's instructions for your particular glucometer

5. BLS Blood Glucose Monitoring
Lancet finger
Squeeze blood onto strip fill area fully
Explain the steps of obtaining a blood glucose level.
You must read manufacturer's instructions for your particular glucometer

6. BLS Blood Glucose Monitoring
Wait for result.
Dispose of all materials in the proper container
Emergency medical care
Once you have confirmed altered mental status and a history of diabetes controlled by medications, your care will also focus on possibility of reversing the low blood sugar
Follow NYS BLS protocols
Explain the steps of obtaining a blood glucose level.
You must read manufacturer's instructions for your particular glucometer.